HUNZA: 17-year-old Aqila Saleem became the only female cyclist from Gilgit Baltistan (GB) who rode her cycle alongside national and international cyclists in the recently concluded Serena International Tour de Khunjerab Road Cycle Race.
Speaking to APP, Aqila expressed optimism of soon being able to represent the national cycling team if provided with opportunities.
The race was held in three different stages – first from Gilgit to Rakaposhi View Point (66-kilometer), then from Rakaposhi View Point to Sost (110-kilometers) and finally, from Sost to Khunjerab Pass (84-kilometers).
Although there was a wide margin of the time difference in completing the race; her counterparts completed their first journey of 66km in 2 hours and 11-minutes, while Aqila paddled the distance in 5 hours and 18 minutes 23 sec.
“I’m feeling proud of being the only female from GB, who participated in the historic race,” said a proud Aqila.
“I’m a cyclist and have been riding a cycle since childhood. My first demand from my loving father Saleem, a local hotelier, was for a bicycle. Since then I have explored many places on my two-wheeler,” she said, adding that she now wants to be an international cyclist who represents Pakistan.
Aqila Saleem, hailing from the remote village of Passu, District Hunza, used to go on her bicycle to her college, Government Girls College Gulmit, Gojal. “It fascinated me that while other girls from my village came on foot, I could use a bicycle,” she said.
Aqila also took part in the second stage of 110km but she could not make it to the finish line. So, after cycling for 57km, she walked alongside her cycle.
“My aim was to complete the second stage but my legs were in pain and I decided that it was better to be sensible instead of developing cramps in my muscles. Next time, I will complete all three stages,” she said with determination.
About the third stage, Aqila said: “I tried hard to paddle my way into the last stage, all the way to Khunjerab. It was tough as the cyclists started the road race from 400 ft above sea leave and finished at a high altitude 15,500 ft and while others had a proper cycle and gear, mine is an ordinary one used for daily chores etc.”
Aqila regretted that she was neither appreciated nor invited on stage to tell people that she had been a part of the race as an amateur cyclist and the only female from GB to participate.
“However, I have been promised to be invited to the national camp by Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) secretary Syed Azhar Ali Shah so, I have started preparing to prove myself,” she said.
She thanked Sports and Culture Secretary Waqar Ali Khan, GB Chief Commissioner Muhammad Usman Khan, GB Chief Secretary Babar Hayat Tarar, PCF Secretary Syed Azhar Ali Shah and GB Chief Minister (CM) Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman for extending their support in holding the Tour de Khunjerab besides, highlighting the areas peace, stability and scenic beauty to the rest of the world.
“My loving mother and father became mentors who always extended their support for my cycling dream,” Aqila replied to question, adding, “Being a vegetarian, I also do some gardening. I have a garden full of various types of seasonal vegetables.”